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Lesson 1: The Perfect Size for Your Solar Module Production Line

Lesson 1

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How to Find the Right Size for Your Solar Production Line

At the beginning, you must determine the maximum budget for your solar module production line. After doing this, you can then determine the maximum size of production line that will be possible with that budget.

Here are some examples of production lines and sample sizes with prices.

PLEASE NOTE: The prices are only estimations to give you an idea of the total costs. There are many variables, so prices vary significantly.

PLEASE NOTE: The prices are for the machines only! They do not include material financing, buildings, and other costs.

PLEASE NOTE: In Lesson 3, we will provide a complete overview of all the costs involved in different sizes of production lines. This will include building costs and the financing of the materials!

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What Size Should Your Production Line Be?

The smallest size that makes sense is a 5 MW production line.

5 MW means that the number of panels you can create in one year will produce a total of 5 MW (5 million watt = 5.000.000 Watt).

This size works well if you want to get started in the solar business and learn more about solar module production.

The biggest size we have ever produced was 600 MW, which is quite a large installation to start out with.

Below, we introduce 3 possible sizes for your solar module production line:

Example 1: 5 MW Production Line

5 MW is a very small line with a small amount of investment and low risk. It’s perfect if you are just starting out and want to test whether it’s a good idea for you to get started in solar module production.

Advantages / disadvantages of a 5 MW Line
  • Well suited for testing and for producing special solar modules
  • Learn how to produce panels and get started in the process
  • Low investment (about $120.000) and therefore lower risk of losing money
  • Lower profit due to the small size and output 

Example 2: 30 MW Production Line

30 MW is a professional line with a reasonable size. This is not a line that is just for learning. The investment will depend on the quality and automation of the line and will total around $500.000 - $2.000.000.

Advantages / disadvantages of a 30 MW Line
  • Suitable for starting a real, professional production line
  • Medium risk due to a medium amount of investment in machines (about $1.000.000)
  • Medium profit: the line is big enough to make a profitable business

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Example 3: 100 MW Production Line

With 100 MW you are at the top of solar production lines and can compete with the big producers in the global market. The investment in machines alone will be more than $1.000.000 and could be as much as $8.000.000. The total amount for the machines will depend on the automation (human employees or robots) and the quality (Made in China or Made in Germany).

Advantages / disadvantages of a 100 MW Line
  • Suitable for starting a professional production line on a very high level that allows you to compete with the global market.
  • High profit: your production line will be large enough for big projects
  • High risk due to high investment in machines (about $3.000.000)

Quality of the Solar Modules

With 100 MW you are at the top of global production lines and can compete with very big producers in the global market. The investment in machines alone will be more than $1.000.000 and can be $8.000.000 as well. The total amount for the machines will depend on the automations (human employees or robots) and the quality (Made in China or Made in Germany).

Advantages / disadvantages of a 100 MW Line

As the size of the solar module production line changes, so does the quality.


For example, if you have a 5 MW line, most of the work will likely be manual:

  • Manual soldering of the cells
  • Manual layup of the strings on the glass
  • Manual loading and unloading of the laminator
  • And other manual tasks


With a 100 MW line, it makes sense to automate the most critical parts. For example:

  • Fully automated stringer for soldering
  • Automated layup of the strings onto the glass
  • Fully automated laminator including loading and unloading


With a 100 MW line, you can profit from investing in testing equipment like:

  • EL testing machine
  • String tester
  • Optical cell tester (inside the stringer)
  • And more!


These automations and test equipment will give you much higher quality and more reliable output.


Together with other effects of large-scale production (for example, you will be able to hire a higher quality manager with a bigger line), the quality of a larger production line will be better on average than that of a very small line!

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Resources

Lesson 1: The Perfect Size for Your Solar Module Production Line

PDF version of the board featured in this video

  • L’ Afrique a besoin de l’énergie renouvelable, pour son développement

    • Sunlight is abundant in Africa especially western part of Africa and there is huge market potential for solar panels and other accessories for solar energy. The problem is the huge capital required to start the production line by an African like me and would like to know if your company is willing to team up with an Africa who own land and ready to release for the setting up professional factory or Manufacturing line to produce, market and sell solar panels in Ghana and to the rest of Africa? If your organization is willing to look at this as business proposition in the future then I am be extremely interested

  • Good morning sir,I have a projects with Exxon Mobil oil and gass for sola energy in the area of borehole water for the workers qouters and the community.can you handle it?Attention Mr P.Thoma

    • Hi, thanks for your question. We are mainly a service and machinery provider for solar module production machines. We are not making projects for small solar installations. So if you plan to produce panels in your country then we are the right partner. If you search for partners to install solar water pumps, then you are not at the right partner here.

  • So far, it look more interesting, it look like good investment, but I still neeeld to put other things into consideration.

    • Take your time! Making solar panels is a big decision that have to be discussed accurately. Just contact us if you need an offer or you have other questions.

  • This is an eye opener. It would be nice to be at the top of the production lines with robots and all. Thanks.

  • Thanks for the lesson, I’m so interested and looking forward to learning more and applying it

  • I would like to start a 30MW production facility in Botswana. The country have great potential for solar esp in agriculture, domestic and tourism sectors

  • Nice idea and thanks for this information

    But what is the electrical power requirement and it’s cost in solar technology to power the factory for the production of 5MW, 30MW, 100MW etc

    This is arising from Nigeria because electricity supply and it’s bill have closed down a lots of companies so we budget for alternative power when considering a factory

    Regards

  • Thank you very much, my dear friend & teacher Mr. Patrick, Thanks to every one of you in J.V.G /PVKNOWHOW clue. In fact I am highly trailed. Having heard about 99,000 Euro for a start. Pls let me take my time to get ready. I will get back to you.

  • I am an Electrical Engineer from Pakistan I would like to install 30MW production line in Hyderabad, Pakistan. How much it will total cost after installation, commissioning and training to our workers.

  • I want to start solar module production line on a small scale ,5MW production line.

  • Good, and my question is what’s about the materials which should use to produce the final solar panels? At least tell us what’s that materials and how much cost abouts?

  • Hi, I want a 5MW Panel string Line. I am Living İn Turkey. Please How Much Money I have to pay for installation. I am Elektrik_Elektronik Engneer.

  • Good information.
    I am a Zimbabwean how would I get connected with investors so that they can help me to construct 30mw Solar module production line .l am very interested in solar systems holding Diploma in electrical engineering

  • Hi it is a very good work you have put in. I am an engineer6 physics graduate and would like to start with the 5MW module so as to aid me grasp all about solar panel production. Thank you

  • Thanks so much , Dear Friend I am trained photovoltaic engineer , I have not enough budget to start 5MW, but I have enough land to start my working in Afghanistan.

    • Land is one step. You have to find an investor for the line. Will be hard, but if you follow the free lessons you can make it.

  • I studied electrical electronics engineering. I am interested in the solar module production line, but the biggest challenge here is the capital for establishment and the power requirements. Because here in Nigeria, it is not a good idea to rely on the national grid in running a factory, a provision must be made for alternative power source. Thanks, I will continue to plan for it.

  • How much would I need to put up a 5MW, 30MW of solar in Nigeria considering the epileptic power supply in my country and I can also distribute it to my people in the community for a certain price.

  • Thank you for this presentation. I would like to know about the unit dimension irea and bild for a 5 MW unit production

  • It’s a good investment but, for staters, huge sums of money can’t be on our accounts.
    The material issue, drives many out though interested in starting up the solar manufacturing plant.

  • I,m Nigeria based business executive, I want to establish solar module production line of 30mw in Lagos Nigeria, pls give more details on cost and other details.

  • This is good. I would like to start with 5mgt the smallest for now. I shall scale up later. I need this so much in Nigeria. Can I get to know if I can get partner or grant to start up

  • I’m environmental engineer, I’m interested to the Solar production Line because I advise to olicy Lakers thé use of renewable energy in ordre to protect thé Environment but also to ne trained for furnishing consultance worlks at a small ans medium level of Line ower
    Thanks

  • It is advise I am a solar installer in Zimbabwe who still need small quantity of my clients like 300-400watts panel size ×2500=1magawatt please help me

  • Thank you for the idea, but I would like to know if there would be manual assistance needed in the 50MW Production.

    • A very insightful and informative lecture and lesson. I love the basics and the idea of starting a manufacturing the solar panels within Africa. The budget determines the risk one willing to take….

  • I’m Batholomew with electrical experience in northern Uganda 🇺🇬 I would like to install solar 100MW for business and also wanted to do business in the products of PVK#
    Interesting lesson so Inspirational #

  • Hi Thomas. I can’t thank you enough for what you are sharing here. I really appreciate your efforts, the scary part is the financing bit but whole project seems to a great idea.

  • Thanks for the information provided. Am really impressed with the idea looking forward to the next lesson

  • Am grateful for your reply. I understand you only deal with manufacturing. So my request can not be taken here, being that mine is a small biz. Thanks anyway.

  • Very insightful. It is very helpful to gain this basic knowledge about the different levels of investment and their benefits. It also helps to decide on the required budget for any desired level.

  • Its a great idea and I pick much interest and really want to leverage on this to provide good opportunities to Africa subregion.

    Thanks for the lesson

  • Thanks for the lesson it’s so helpful and insipiring , it is my hope to be an independent solar manufacturer

  • Thanks for the information, can the panel be produce by you and be exported to my location

    • Brother don’t always depend on importation of finished products. Have a manufacturing company’s dream, no sooner or later, it will manifest.

  • Hi, thanks for the overview. i am very much interested in solar panel production. More especially a panel that might be affordable to a local consumer.

    The communities which are to be serviced which do not have Electrical power or cannot afford it are the target population.

    I live in Uganda with a population of over 48 million people at least a good percentage of those will appreciate solar that will be a one time cost thus making this a good venture.

    I was reading thru your Financing and sales profile and you mentioned that you may be of some help in getting a business partners or a grant. My country relies on importation of these solar panels and I must say this is some good investment .

    I await your reply.

    Thanks

    • What we can do is, if you have an investor, that we can make the discussions together. But you have to find the investor, we will take care about the rest.

    • I live in phoenix and own lot of residential real estate I can sell the product or install on my own properties

      • Hi and thank you for your comment. We do only make machines, not solar panels 🙂

  • The instructions and information ate comprehensive,
    is the information contained delevery cost to .any part of the world ?
    desire to follow up from the next lesson

  • The 5 MW makes more sense for a starter which is about the range i can get grant from my government to established if I have good business planplan.

  • Israel from Nigeria. Am highly impressed of your lessons and I will like to venture into it. Power (light) is a major problem in Nigeria.
    My worried now is finance

  • Very helpful looking forward to engulfing my self in these technologies of today and future. Suitable for any level of investment but clearly thriving towards sustainable development.

  • Very clear and on point tutorial to give better knowledge and directions of the business. It also helps to plan for the budgets and asses on your investors and risk. Thank you.

  • Thank you it is well articulated.l would like to start one but the only challenge the material and finances.

  • Very informative, now I have an idea and ready to go through other processes to know where I can start project.

  • This is good. I would like to start with 5mgt. I need this so much in Nigeria. Can I get to know if I can get partner or grant to start up.

    • Sorry, we do not make finance. We make technology, machines, know how transfer, ramp up, training, but finance is your part.

  • These is a good lesson, I have the space to start a manufacturing of solar in Namibia, what is the way to go?

  • Very apt and educative for a beginner. Raises my interest for the project as worthwhile

  • Can you provide the details for

    Infrastructure requirements for 30 mwatt unit
    Power consumptions
    Material requirement and suggestion for oman
    Manpower requirements
    Any other ancillary requirements

      • I am an Mechanical Engineer intested and looking to enter in to the Solar sector.Thank you shering you knowldge with those who hv less knowldge about this area.
        My Q1 .Is 5 Mw means 1,000,000 cells per ?

  • Hello, do you think this could be profitable in Greece? How could one take advantage of today’s energy crisis in EU and move on to be part of Solar Energy? What is the potential market?

  • Thank you that was great.
    Waiting for next lesson..
    Also I hope you should add one more session about the raw materials.
    How to source it
    How much dose it cost..
    What are the qualities in it

  • Quite informative lessons to can use and make the right decisions on were an when to start.

  • Need to set up a 30 MW solar panel manufacturing line. Kindly provide the following information..
    1. Space and building requirement.

    2. Investment at Minimum necessary automation and what will be the automation.

    3. Flow chart of manufacturing process

    Kindly reply to email mygmsingh@gmail.com
    Thanks

  • Sorry I didn’t get details when I enrolled, do we get certificates to enhance our profiles

  • Waooooh. Good information for a starter business. I wanted to start ordering for installation but with this lesson, lam encouraged to think of production on a small start up test of 5mw.

  • Am in Zambia and need guidance on machine cost and if there is any partnership agreement with suppliers of these components.
    Thanks

  • Thank you for the such valuable information. I am looking for minimum 30MW production Line and already started for Fund planning, Just want to know the Land we need for 30MW production unit. and what makes you diff regarding all aspects compare to Chinese. please answer

  • This lesson is really interesting and I am well enjoyed it, very perfect indeed.

  • I am very much interested in developing a company to produce solar panels and street lights

  • I wish to start this business in my country. What other things do I need to know?

  • I am an electrical engineer.I look for job in this company.I have more than 15 years experience and skills in electrical engineering and PV system installation and construction.

  • A very good first impression. But what are the costs for a 10 MW line with used machines? Approximately of course

  • I am very happy with the way you teach students and I need to learn from you and get a degree from you thank you.

  • Which of the line would you recommend for starters, those with the Low budget and are just starting?

  • Quite educative and engaging.
    It’s truly informative and interesting to part of your project and technology on solar renewable generation.

  • I am very interested in this business and would like to engage more in it.

  • Great concept,green energy-efficient technologies are the way forward towards climate resilience practices in Africa that ensure we mitigate climate change in our cities.

  • This is fascinating and great to know. It was quite an encouraging lesson to comprehend.

    Looking forward to engage the 5MW production. Thank you very much.

  • the information was obtained from your website is useful for me
    as i informed you about my project in my state i am not professional in this field
    so i request you kindly help me to get started in my project which i am currently developing for the first time

  • Sir I am from India I want to know more for pv cell production how must cost for machine and setup as well as for skilled labour would be required I want estimate for small-scale production..

  • Dear Patrick Thoma, I have interested in this investment project, help me to start in my country

  • I will like to know the cost for 30MW solar production machine and the required land space. I have land space in Ogijo, Ogun State, Nigeria and also in Abudu, Edo State, Nigeria.

  • Hi, I appreciate the presentation and the information.

    I noticed some inconsistencies, which leaves me a little bit confused with the amount of investment one would require in this space.

    A. the machinery for a 25 MW project in the presentation looked like it would equate to an investment of 250,000 euros, however, in the written section you mention that for a 30MW project the investment amount would be equivalent to 1 million euros. Could I get some feedback on this?

    Best Wishes.

  • Iam very happy to see your lessons Very detailed and helpful information and encouraging me to be a partner to your reputed company here in Egypt

  • A motivating presentation. Where can one have the practical production training in Africa pending availability of capital for full investment please.I am a graduate of Electrical Engineering and trained Solar Installer from Nigeria but passionate about production of Solar modules

  • thanks for the update on solar panel project e t c.
    The major problem now is the capital to establish or execute it, that is the equipment or machinery, land is no problem, this is why i sought for investors to partner with or any interested person or organization wishing to expand it’s market

  • Lesson:1 is very good start, gives brief about commercials of project. Good over view .. Builts the confidence to get into solar business .

  • This is an awesome business and will be best if the raw materials can be sourced locally

    • Materials can be sourced locally as well. This is a process that you can start after starting the production. For example aluminium and glasses can be sourced locally and alter also other parts.

  • How much is the raw materials to produce 1kw of Solar PV, I am making a budget/financial for the manufacturing plant for 25MW. I need inputs to make a ROI. Can you provide a more specific details. Thanks & regards,

  • اريد عمل هذا في تونس ارجو ان تخبريني كيف أبدأ و شكرا

  • I have really learnt from the teachings, all my life I have these passion for these, looking forward in establishing and making a positive,perfect business plans and investment.

  • The lesson was very interesting. I am looking forward to starting my production in Africa but I still need to learn and understand everything

  • Interesting. Do you fund the machinery and material of the production line?

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